Black Widow Frontosa

The Black Widow Frontosa Cichlid, a stunning color variant of Cyphotilapia frontosa, is one of the most prized and majestic cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. Known for its striking black-and-white contrast, towering nuchal hump, and graceful swimming style, the Black Widow Frontosa is a true showpiece fish for advanced aquarists. With their slow, regal movements and commanding size, Black Widow Frontosa Cichlids are a centerpiece addition to large African cichlid aquariums.

Native to the deep rocky zones of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, Frontosas are admired for their long lifespan, unique social behavior, and massive size compared to other African cichlids. The Black Widow Frontosa stands out with its bold, jet-black markings contrasted against a pale base, giving it a dramatic look that aquarists love. Their peaceful yet dominant personality makes them suitable for specialized Tanganyikan setups and cichlid enthusiasts who want a long-term investment fish.

A full grown Frontosa Cichlid can reach 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity, making this Cichlid fish one of the largest aquarium-kept African cichlids. Males are larger and often develop a pronounced nuchal hump on the head, while females remain slightly smaller and rounder. The Black Widow Frontosa variety is especially admired for its bold striping and deep contrast, which becomes even more intense as the fish matures.

Despite their massive size, Black Widow Frontosa cichlids are relatively peaceful for African cichlids. They are best kept in groups of 6 or more to mimic their natural colony behavior. Due to their slow-moving nature, they should not be kept with overly aggressive or fast-moving mbuna, but they do well with other large, mild-tempered Tanganyikan cichlids and Synodontis catfish.

At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Black Widow Frontosa Cichlid for sale and other Cichlids for sale are tank-raised, healthy, and carefully selected for vivid coloration and optimal size. Shop online or visit our aquarium store in Virginia to discover high-quality freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, aquatic plants for sale, and essential aquarium supplies.

WHAT MAKES THIS FISH SPECIAL?

• Rare and highly prized frontosa cichlid variant
• Grows up to 12–14 inches when fully mature
• Peaceful for an African cichlid; thrives in groups
• Long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 15 years
• Striking black-and-white markings for dramatic contrast

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS

• Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for a colony
• Temperature: 74°–80°F (23°–27°C)
• pH: 7.8–9.0 (alkaline, Lake Tanganyika conditions)
• Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Filtration: Strong with excellent oxygenation and regular water changes

CARE GUIDELINES

• Diet: Carnivorous. Provide a staple diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, krill, shrimp, and occasional frozen foods. Avoid feeder fish to prevent disease.
• Tank Setup: Large aquariums with sandy substrate, rocky caves, and open swimming areas. Dim lighting helps mimic their deep-water habitat.
• Behavior: Calm but dominant; best in colonies with plenty of space.

See more detailed information on How to Care for Cichlid Fish here.